Passport Expiration

[Shari]

I knew that mine and hubby's passports expire in January, so I'd planned to apply for new ones at the end of summer. Just checked our daughter's and it expires August 12! Not a problem for our early July STJ trip, but we're also going to Guatemala July 25-August 3.

She's 15, so I have to take her, her birth certificate, etc, when applying for a renewal. Is it necessary to start a new application before it expires, or can I wait until we get back from Guatemala?

[California Girl]

To be on the safe side, I'd probably apply for renewal now so you have your new passports by the time these expire. As for your daughter's, I'd think that since you'll be getting back from Guatamala (you lucky dog!) before her's expires, it shouldn't be a problem. But if you've applied for renewal before you go, she may have her new passport by then, or at least you'd have paperwork (be sure to photocopy it!) to show you've applied for renewal.

I'm not a passport expert, but that sounds logical, no?

[DCphoto]

Some countries will not let you in if your passport is ready to expire. Check with the country. Some as much as 6 months prior. Also you have to send your old passport in when renewing.
Check before leaving from the state Department and also the embassay where you are going.

[Shari]

Thanks, we've applied for a renewal today. So, I guess we'll be staying on island and not traveling to the BVI while on St John since we won't have her new passport next week.

Next week!!! Can't believe it's almost here!

[PA Girl]

This was a useful thread for me. Hubs passport expires one month after our 09 land based BVI trip.

The BVIs require at least 6 months on a current passport for entry (or so the website says).

He is filling out his renewal paperwork today.

[pjayer]

Shari - Unless there's been a very recent change, I believe you can travel to the BVIs from the USVI without a passport if you are going on a day trip. You need a birth certificate with a raised seal and some form of photo ID, such as a driver's license. Check out the entry/exit requirements below.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... quirements

[texascook]

My passport renewal took only 10 days from the day I mailed it in until the day I received it!

For countries that require a lead time in passports, would it be wise to also carry your expired passport as proof that your current passport is not new?

[DCphoto]

When I renewed this past spring, I had to send the old one in and it came back with holes all over it. Not sure that would work. I could be wrong. It is best to check with the country you are traveling to and the state department. I wouldn't guess at it.

Sandy